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Everything I've Never Said
Ava would like nothing more than to tell her family she loves them, particularly her big sister, Nic. But Ava has Rett syndrome - she can't talk, can't nod her head, can't even point at a communication card. She understands everything, but no one understands her.
When tragedy strikes her family, Ava becomes even more determined to talk. But it's not until she meets occupational therapist Kieran and new friend Aimee that she is hopeful for change - and to find her voice at last.
A powerful novel about a subject rarely tackled - young people with disabilities and the families who love and support them.
When tragedy strikes her family, Ava becomes even more determined to talk. But it's not until she meets occupational therapist Kieran and new friend Aimee that she is hopeful for change - and to find her voice at last.
A powerful novel about a subject rarely tackled - young people with disabilities and the families who love and support them.
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First published October 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 20, 2019
Everything I’ve Never Said is beautifully written and so very easily captured my heart. I loved the idea - giving voice to the voiceless, and the honest, heartfelt truth and reality behind the words is undeniable.
Ava would love to talk to her family. She’d love to tell them she likes pink not purple. She’d love to say that she would rather watch teen movies than kid shows. And she’d really love to tell them that she loves them. But Ava has Rett syndrome and so Ava can’t move her body the way she would like to, can’t nod, blink, wave and certainly can’t talk. When tragedy strikes her family and throws life into chaos, Ava knows she must talk, must help save her family. With the help of new friends, Kieran and Aimee, Ava just might have the chance to find her voice and tell the world, tell her family, everything she’s always wanted to say.
Everything I’ve Never Said is a beautiful book, a beautiful story. Gosh, I loved Ava. What a character. And Wheeler just brings her to life like she’s sitting right next to you. With the benefit of first person narration, the reader is positioned inside Ava’s world and head, allowing her to share everything she can’t speak aloud, from her frustration with not being able to communicate and distaste of her teacher, to her love for her family and desire to say sorry, or please or thank you or no thank you.
I loved that this book also captures the relationship between Ava and her sister. Often traumatic but sometimes surprising and sweet, the complicated love-fight dynamic, only made harder without a clear line of communication, between Ava and Nic was such a key part of the book.
I’ve had the privilege of hearing Samantha Wheeler give an author talk. Her engagement with the audience (even when that audience didn’t exactly fit her target reading group), her love of sharing important stories and her attention to detail and commitment to research were all very impressive. I was so excited to learn of Everything I’ve Never Said and so very glad I had the privilege to read it. It is a story close to Wheeler’s heart and personal experience and that shines through every carefully written and beautifully constructed page.
Everything I’ve Never Said is a powerful book. It fits perfectly between young adult and middle grade fiction, and is sure to delight young teen readers just as much as it will adult readers.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Ava would love to talk to her family. She’d love to tell them she likes pink not purple. She’d love to say that she would rather watch teen movies than kid shows. And she’d really love to tell them that she loves them. But Ava has Rett syndrome and so Ava can’t move her body the way she would like to, can’t nod, blink, wave and certainly can’t talk. When tragedy strikes her family and throws life into chaos, Ava knows she must talk, must help save her family. With the help of new friends, Kieran and Aimee, Ava just might have the chance to find her voice and tell the world, tell her family, everything she’s always wanted to say.
Everything I’ve Never Said is a beautiful book, a beautiful story. Gosh, I loved Ava. What a character. And Wheeler just brings her to life like she’s sitting right next to you. With the benefit of first person narration, the reader is positioned inside Ava’s world and head, allowing her to share everything she can’t speak aloud, from her frustration with not being able to communicate and distaste of her teacher, to her love for her family and desire to say sorry, or please or thank you or no thank you.
I loved that this book also captures the relationship between Ava and her sister. Often traumatic but sometimes surprising and sweet, the complicated love-fight dynamic, only made harder without a clear line of communication, between Ava and Nic was such a key part of the book.
I’ve had the privilege of hearing Samantha Wheeler give an author talk. Her engagement with the audience (even when that audience didn’t exactly fit her target reading group), her love of sharing important stories and her attention to detail and commitment to research were all very impressive. I was so excited to learn of Everything I’ve Never Said and so very glad I had the privilege to read it. It is a story close to Wheeler’s heart and personal experience and that shines through every carefully written and beautifully constructed page.
Everything I’ve Never Said is a powerful book. It fits perfectly between young adult and middle grade fiction, and is sure to delight young teen readers just as much as it will adult readers.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
October 3, 2018
Every so often, a book comes along that touches your heart in places so tender it hurts. A book that makes you cry because of the frustration and sadness in the world, but also makes you laugh out loud with joy because of small kindnesses and the many sources of happiness that are to be found despite the pain. Everything I’ve Never Said (UQP 2018) by children’s author Samantha Wheeler, is such a book, a beautifully simple story for both young people and adults that features a disabled protagonist on a quest to have her voice heard.
Samantha writes from lived experience – one of her own daughters has Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition which means she has little or no control over the muscles in her body. The girl at the centre of this story, Ava, understands everyone and everything around her – there is nothing wrong with her intelligence – but she needs assistance to eat, to swallow, to walk, to even move her hands the way she wants to. But most importantly of all, she cannot communicate. Her head is full of words and wants and opinions, but she can’t express them. She is locked into her body. Her only way to get attention is to scream or bite or pinch, actions that come involuntarily when she is distressed, not because she does them on purpose (or, not always, anyway!)
Samantha has taken the character of Ava and given her a voice. Ava speaks to us throughout the book – the story is told by her, in first person. We are privy to her frustration with her own body and its limitations. She shares with us all of the things she has thought, but never said.
This book gave me a profound insight into Rett syndrome and similar conditions. Ava is an extraordinary young girl – feisty, smart, cheeky, loving and caring. How cruel for such an adventurous spirit to be bound in a physical body that only constricts and restricts her.
Ava lives with her sister Nic and their mum and dad. Right from the first pages of the story, we engage with Ava and her remarkable character. We see her disability, certainly – it is evident in every thought she has and every action she tries to undertake. But we also see her abilities – her teenage similarities to her sister, her bright mind always trying to figure out a way to make herself heard. When tragedy strikes the household, Ava – and her family – are forced to confront her challenges head-on. She meets an occupational therapist who is determined to hear her, and she makes a new friend, Aimee, who uses a speaking machine. Aimee is a wonderful character – naughty, sassy and mischievous – and for the first time, Ava realises that there are others like her, with bold intellect and quick wit hidden in an unreliable and unpredictable body.
This book is written for a young reader, and the issues and language are entirely appropriate. But the story itself is for everyone, young or old. Adults will empathise with Ava’s parents as they struggle with parenting; adolescents will recognise Ava’s older sister Nic’s defiant streak and her search for belonging.
The cover of the book shows a girl floating. This is one of the few times that Ava feels truly herself – cocooned by the warm water, weightless and free, unencumbered by her recalcitrant body. As the story develops, and Ava faces the judgement of those in authority, the discrimination of strangers and the exasperation and weariness of her family and friends, we find ourselves silently cheering her on in her quest to be heard. For somebody who can’t talk, Ava has an awful lot to say! Her sense of humour, and her caring and loving nature, despite the challenges that face her, are inspiring.
Reading breeds tolerance and understanding, and this story certainly does that. Give it to your children to help them understand people with disabilities, read it yourself to understand what can be done, and how much further we have to go. My first purchase will be for a young man I know with cerebral palsy who I interviewed recently – another young person who believes that just because you have no voice, doesn’t mean you don’t have something to say.
Samantha Wheeler is well-known for her children’s books that champion environmental action and Australian animals. This book feels like something different, something special and very personal. This story comes from the heart, and it has a lot of heart. I hope that many children like Ava can read it, or have it read to them; I hope they can recognise themselves and capture sparks of hope.
Samantha writes from lived experience – one of her own daughters has Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition which means she has little or no control over the muscles in her body. The girl at the centre of this story, Ava, understands everyone and everything around her – there is nothing wrong with her intelligence – but she needs assistance to eat, to swallow, to walk, to even move her hands the way she wants to. But most importantly of all, she cannot communicate. Her head is full of words and wants and opinions, but she can’t express them. She is locked into her body. Her only way to get attention is to scream or bite or pinch, actions that come involuntarily when she is distressed, not because she does them on purpose (or, not always, anyway!)
Samantha has taken the character of Ava and given her a voice. Ava speaks to us throughout the book – the story is told by her, in first person. We are privy to her frustration with her own body and its limitations. She shares with us all of the things she has thought, but never said.
This book gave me a profound insight into Rett syndrome and similar conditions. Ava is an extraordinary young girl – feisty, smart, cheeky, loving and caring. How cruel for such an adventurous spirit to be bound in a physical body that only constricts and restricts her.
Ava lives with her sister Nic and their mum and dad. Right from the first pages of the story, we engage with Ava and her remarkable character. We see her disability, certainly – it is evident in every thought she has and every action she tries to undertake. But we also see her abilities – her teenage similarities to her sister, her bright mind always trying to figure out a way to make herself heard. When tragedy strikes the household, Ava – and her family – are forced to confront her challenges head-on. She meets an occupational therapist who is determined to hear her, and she makes a new friend, Aimee, who uses a speaking machine. Aimee is a wonderful character – naughty, sassy and mischievous – and for the first time, Ava realises that there are others like her, with bold intellect and quick wit hidden in an unreliable and unpredictable body.
This book is written for a young reader, and the issues and language are entirely appropriate. But the story itself is for everyone, young or old. Adults will empathise with Ava’s parents as they struggle with parenting; adolescents will recognise Ava’s older sister Nic’s defiant streak and her search for belonging.
The cover of the book shows a girl floating. This is one of the few times that Ava feels truly herself – cocooned by the warm water, weightless and free, unencumbered by her recalcitrant body. As the story develops, and Ava faces the judgement of those in authority, the discrimination of strangers and the exasperation and weariness of her family and friends, we find ourselves silently cheering her on in her quest to be heard. For somebody who can’t talk, Ava has an awful lot to say! Her sense of humour, and her caring and loving nature, despite the challenges that face her, are inspiring.
Reading breeds tolerance and understanding, and this story certainly does that. Give it to your children to help them understand people with disabilities, read it yourself to understand what can be done, and how much further we have to go. My first purchase will be for a young man I know with cerebral palsy who I interviewed recently – another young person who believes that just because you have no voice, doesn’t mean you don’t have something to say.
Samantha Wheeler is well-known for her children’s books that champion environmental action and Australian animals. This book feels like something different, something special and very personal. This story comes from the heart, and it has a lot of heart. I hope that many children like Ava can read it, or have it read to them; I hope they can recognise themselves and capture sparks of hope.
January 27, 2019
Ava is an Australian 11 year old girl with an older sister, Mum and Dad. But, Ava has Rett Syndrome - meaning she has little control over her body or ability to speak.
Told in the first person, this is an original and unique narrator.
Carefully researched, crafted and presented, the reader of this story will not pity or look down upon Ava. Tears will be shed by readers as Ava’s family faces further struggles and hurdles. With insensitive performances from some therapists, an over-baring teacher and challenging medical bureaucracy.
This is an authentic Australian voice we rarely hear - bravo author Samantha Wheeler. We need more diverse voices in our middle-grade Australian stories.
Written as a middle-grade novel for students aged 9+ years.
This would make a wonderful film.
Told in the first person, this is an original and unique narrator.
Carefully researched, crafted and presented, the reader of this story will not pity or look down upon Ava. Tears will be shed by readers as Ava’s family faces further struggles and hurdles. With insensitive performances from some therapists, an over-baring teacher and challenging medical bureaucracy.
This is an authentic Australian voice we rarely hear - bravo author Samantha Wheeler. We need more diverse voices in our middle-grade Australian stories.
Written as a middle-grade novel for students aged 9+ years.
This would make a wonderful film.
October 25, 2018
This genuinely authentic novel offers middle years students a chance to consider the difficulties of life with Rett syndrome, a genetic disability which severely limits communication and physical movement. Wheeler’s experience of living with such a person ensures the novel is compassionate and realistic.
Our MC, Ava is completely frustrated because she is constantly misunderstood and unable to express her opinion. While her family are supportive, they struggle to meet her needs and still treat her like a young child. Readers are sympathetic to both experiences, and this situation demonstrates the inherent difficulties of people with disabilities and special needs.
But Wheeler is never maudlin or trite. She treats Ava with dignity and respect, and the flaws of the other characters are human and understandable. We cheer Ava on as she patiently works towards more independence and a more purposeful life. We applaud the author who has bravely confronted her own situation, and highlighted a topic with deserves more openness and conversation.
Our MC, Ava is completely frustrated because she is constantly misunderstood and unable to express her opinion. While her family are supportive, they struggle to meet her needs and still treat her like a young child. Readers are sympathetic to both experiences, and this situation demonstrates the inherent difficulties of people with disabilities and special needs.
But Wheeler is never maudlin or trite. She treats Ava with dignity and respect, and the flaws of the other characters are human and understandable. We cheer Ava on as she patiently works towards more independence and a more purposeful life. We applaud the author who has bravely confronted her own situation, and highlighted a topic with deserves more openness and conversation.
March 1, 2019
I first heard about this book listening to the author talk on ABC radio while driving along country roads. She discussed her struggles with her own daughter who has Rett Syndrome. I couldn’t help but think about how frustrated I’d be not being able to communicate so I had to read this novel.
The story itself is incredibly moving; a great insight into someone with Rett Syndrome. I had some issues with its execution, but I think deep down it is disappointment that Ava (protagonist) goes so long without anybody really noticing her attempts to communicate. Then when she is close to it (eye-gaze machine at an expo) nobody thinks to give her the opportunity to use it, instead letting her sister on, who is fully capable of talking and movement. Then they spend some time proving Ava could use the machine in a quick denouement.
Having said that, this is a compelling novel and thoroughly enjoyable, with a similar impact to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.
The story itself is incredibly moving; a great insight into someone with Rett Syndrome. I had some issues with its execution, but I think deep down it is disappointment that Ava (protagonist) goes so long without anybody really noticing her attempts to communicate. Then when she is close to it (eye-gaze machine at an expo) nobody thinks to give her the opportunity to use it, instead letting her sister on, who is fully capable of talking and movement. Then they spend some time proving Ava could use the machine in a quick denouement.
Having said that, this is a compelling novel and thoroughly enjoyable, with a similar impact to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.
December 13, 2018
This is an extraordinary book and while Ava, the character at its heart who has Rett Syndrome, has no voice, Wheeler has masterfully given her one, and through it we learn that Ava is not just frustrated by not being able to express herself, she is also whip-smart funny, clever, sassy and determined. This is a rare and brave book, boldly giving voice to the voiceless so that we all might better understand what it is to live not being heard.
March 8, 2020
What is it like to be unable to speak? This thoughtfully written book provides an empathetic insight into living with this relentless frustration. It also sheds much needed light into the realities of Rett Syndrome, a condition that hasn’t had a lot of exposure.
A terrific book for both teens and adults.
A terrific book for both teens and adults.
October 9, 2022
Everything I’ve never said is a wonderful book I want to re-read it Witch is extremely surprising because with chapter books I never want to reread but this books message, plot, characters where all just so perfect 😍 🥹🦄
November 18, 2018
My daughter and I read this book together and I’m so glad to have shared this beautiful book with her.
May 9, 2019
Wow! What a sensitive, insightful and moving book. I loved the cast of realistic, nuanced characters. I loved how there was never a quick, easy solution - the author was good at creating problems and hurdles to overcome, but I'm sure many of them were real life experience, sadly. I loved that the caring professionals were a mixed bunch of good, bad and ugly, as in real life. I loved the bitter-sweet relationship between Ava and her sister, Nic. I love how kindness and love win out in the end. This is an important book that gives voice to the voiceless and expands our hearts.
April 9, 2024
this was an eye opening book talking about disabilities and not being able to talk. I loved it because it makes you think about people with disabilities differently. I think the ending was a touch rushed but I still like it.
March 16, 2021
What a spectacular novel, and so important! Ava's voice is strong and I was deeply invested in her story. I hope this novel paves the way for more disability representation like it.
February 16, 2020
I loved reading & discussing this book with my year 7 daughter. She has a signed copy - the author is a mum who visited my daughters’ primary school last year. Along with her signature, after addressing my daughter, the author wrote “Everyone deserves a voice.”
This book is easy to read, captivating, and beautiful. I shed a few tears and smiled so much. There was one point where I was a bit angry with the Mum character, but I soon forgave her. We really loved this story - an important one, and well told.
This book is easy to read, captivating, and beautiful. I shed a few tears and smiled so much. There was one point where I was a bit angry with the Mum character, but I soon forgave her. We really loved this story - an important one, and well told.
March 7, 2020
A moving evocation of life with a disability - and the impact of this on the individual, their family and friends. Most significantly, this book manages to give a voice to a child whose condition renders her speechless, with humour, pathos and dignity.
May 14, 2019
I think you'd like this if you appreciated:
Letters from the inside by John Marsden
Wonder by RJ Palacio
Ugly by Robert Hoge
Letters from the inside by John Marsden
Wonder by RJ Palacio
Ugly by Robert Hoge
August 20, 2019
"We might dribble and pace and spit, but we have feelings and thoughts and we have things we want to say.
You just have to learn how to listen."
Ava Mills is your average almost-12-year-old girl. She loves movies, the colour pink, messing around on the internet and hanging out with her friends. The only problem is that no one knows any of that. Her Rett Syndrome means Ava can't communicate through speech or any other means. But with the help of a new carer and a new friend, Ava and her family will discover new ways to talk and finally say the things they've wanted to.
Samantha Wheeler has written one of the most beautiful books about disability I've ever read. She has perfectly captured not only the internal frustration of being disabled through Ava's exquisite narration but she has also explored how even the most disabled people are slipping through the cracks in the disability support systems that are meant to serve and protect them. I felt so sorry for Ava and her family not even knowing that eye-gaze technology was available because I know that it's changed so many disabled lives.
What really hit home for me though were Ava's struggles with medical professionals and teachers mistreating her. I'm nowhere near as disabled as Ava is but I completely understood how their infantilisation and mistreatment made her feel. The way they disregard your opinion because you're disabled. How they act like they know your condition better than you do - if they bother to learn about it at all. How some people just give up on you because you're "too difficult". Ava was only "difficult" because she was trying to find a way to communicate with people who had no interest in listening to her. That would drive anybody up the wall.
I think the most important thing about this book is how it portrays disability services. I think a lot of able-bodied people believe that disabled people are just handed the services and equipment they need but that is completely untrue. Every disabled person and their support team has to fight tooth and nail for absolutely everything. Equipment, therapy, transport, carers - hell, even just getting a diagnosis can be downright impossible. But we need these services not just to survive but to participate in the world. Ava's family has to fight for even the most basic of supports and that was heartbreaking to watch, regardless of its realism.
But at the heart of this story, we have a beautiful narrator in Ava. Her internal voice and personality are so well-developed and you can just feel her bursting at the seams to let herself out. To tell her family that she loves them. To ask for her favourite food. To tell her parents how much she appreciates their support. How much she loves certain teachers - and how much she hates others. I loved getting to know Ava and I reckon you will too.
If you want to read a book about disability, family and love, definitely pick up Everything I've Never Said.
Warnings: Ableism from carers, therapists and strangers.
November 9, 2018
3 ☆
Finished reading ... Everything I've Never Said / Samantha Wheeler ... 09 November 2018
ISBN: 9780702260278 … 216 pp.
This is a quick, easy read – well-suited to its target audience, the early teen to young adult age group. Perhaps one of those readers would rate it more highly. I wanted to give it more stars, because of the subject matter – the sympathy vote, but I can't.
Samantha Wheeler is the mother of two daughters, one of whom has Rett Syndrome. How much this book is autobiographical is hard to guess but a fair bit must be. The author does say, “The voice of Ava is my representation of the person I imagine she is.” Ava is 10-11 years old and older sister Nic is 13-14. The voices do ring true. The description of getting help from social services and the attitudes of some professionals also ring true – unfortunately.
On the whole, however, in spite of the description of many frustrations and embarrassments, I didn't really feel the struggle of living with such a huge disability thus it felt a lot like wishful thinking, especially at the end. I hope I've misread that.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read. There are more laughs than you'd imagine, plus a tear or two. In the past I'd heard and forgotten about Rett Syndrome so it was good to refresh my memory about that, somewhat within the text itself and also by following links given at the end.
www dot rettaustralia dot com
www dot rettsyndrome dot org
Recommended for the target audience and also for adults.
Borrowed from my local library.
Finished reading ... Everything I've Never Said / Samantha Wheeler ... 09 November 2018
ISBN: 9780702260278 … 216 pp.
This is a quick, easy read – well-suited to its target audience, the early teen to young adult age group. Perhaps one of those readers would rate it more highly. I wanted to give it more stars, because of the subject matter – the sympathy vote, but I can't.
Samantha Wheeler is the mother of two daughters, one of whom has Rett Syndrome. How much this book is autobiographical is hard to guess but a fair bit must be. The author does say, “The voice of Ava is my representation of the person I imagine she is.” Ava is 10-11 years old and older sister Nic is 13-14. The voices do ring true. The description of getting help from social services and the attitudes of some professionals also ring true – unfortunately.
On the whole, however, in spite of the description of many frustrations and embarrassments, I didn't really feel the struggle of living with such a huge disability thus it felt a lot like wishful thinking, especially at the end. I hope I've misread that.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read. There are more laughs than you'd imagine, plus a tear or two. In the past I'd heard and forgotten about Rett Syndrome so it was good to refresh my memory about that, somewhat within the text itself and also by following links given at the end.
www dot rettaustralia dot com
www dot rettsyndrome dot org
Recommended for the target audience and also for adults.
Borrowed from my local library.
February 12, 2019
I heard Samantha Wheeler on either Conversations with Richard Fiedler or Mia Freedman's No Filter podcast. Either way it was a great interview and I headed out to buy the book.
Told from Ava's point of view, the story is about a young girl who, because of a condition called Rett syndrome, is unable to communicate. The physical aspects of her disability make it impossible for her to use many communication devices available to those who are non verbal.
Samantha Wheeler's daughter has Rett syndrome and this book came about from her wondering what her daughter is actually thinking, what are the incredibly frustrating parts of her day when she desperately wants to wear the pink shirt and not the purple, watch Step Up rather then Finding Nemo, tell her mother she loves her.
Not only was this book informative, it was funny. Ava has a wicked sense of humour and a strong drive to never give up. She knows she can communicate if only they can find the right way. I also loved her older sister Nic. Frequently embarrassed by her sister, but also loves her fiercely. She does that disabilities affect so many more than just the person with the diagnosis.
Told from Ava's point of view, the story is about a young girl who, because of a condition called Rett syndrome, is unable to communicate. The physical aspects of her disability make it impossible for her to use many communication devices available to those who are non verbal.
Samantha Wheeler's daughter has Rett syndrome and this book came about from her wondering what her daughter is actually thinking, what are the incredibly frustrating parts of her day when she desperately wants to wear the pink shirt and not the purple, watch Step Up rather then Finding Nemo, tell her mother she loves her.
Not only was this book informative, it was funny. Ava has a wicked sense of humour and a strong drive to never give up. She knows she can communicate if only they can find the right way. I also loved her older sister Nic. Frequently embarrassed by her sister, but also loves her fiercely. She does that disabilities affect so many more than just the person with the diagnosis.
March 22, 2019
Truly something. Told without froth and bubble and very little hand waving, this novel possesses a greatness of heart that will make you weep and chuckle out loud. Ava is sassy and sharp as a whip. She has the observational skills of a bald eagle and the heart of a whale. Opinions and thoughts, words and desires bubble within her without restraint, yet she is unable to express any of them thanks to Rett syndrome which dominates her physical abilities. Her greatest desire is to be heard. But how can she manage that in a family struggling to cope with not only her disability but a new and unexpected tragedy, as well?
Read my full review of this remarkable story at DIM'S re VIEWS, very soon. http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/p/...
Read my full review of this remarkable story at DIM'S re VIEWS, very soon. http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/p/...
June 12, 2022
I loved this book!!! After I read Out of My Mind, I read a review comparing it to this book and could not believe I had not heard of this book before! I am a bit biased because I am a parent to a child with the same condition as the character in this book, but I felt the book did a good job of representing disability and the struggles it can bring. I appreciated how realistic the book was in showing how difficult it can be to get help when you need it. I also appreciated how it showed the complexity of deeply loving and caring for someone who is disabled, while also being exhausted by it. The characters are so well written, the story line is not overly dramatic, but remains engaging and well paced. Highly highly recommend!!
August 4, 2024
This story of Ava with Rett Syndrome provides moving insights into what it might be like to be locked in—unable to talk but hearing and understanding life around you. Ava is this young girl. The story reflects day-to-day life and is told in the first person from Ava’s point of view. She is frustrated at not being able to say what she wants to and sees how this affects everyone—herself and her family.
The story ends with Ava getting a speech device she can control with eye movements. Suddenly, the family doesn’t have to guess what she wants or what she is thinking, and Ava can communicate.
A moving account of the difficulties experienced by the person living with disability and the people around them.
Recommended for readers ten years older, including adults.
The story ends with Ava getting a speech device she can control with eye movements. Suddenly, the family doesn’t have to guess what she wants or what she is thinking, and Ava can communicate.
A moving account of the difficulties experienced by the person living with disability and the people around them.
Recommended for readers ten years older, including adults.
March 25, 2023
This is an amazing book! I loved every second of it! It is so sad that she can't speak and I just want to shout her words into the book for her! It is also really sad and annoying that people keep shaking cards in her face and she can't even tell them that she cannot pick them up!
But it is so nice when she gets in the water and when she feels good. Also it is so nice when she makes a new friend. She is so nice! But I absolutely HATE all the speech therapists that think they can "fix her" and give her cards even though she cant pick them up!
I loved this book and the ending is amazing. This was probably one of my favourite books. Even though I stayed up too late reading.
But it is so nice when she gets in the water and when she feels good. Also it is so nice when she makes a new friend. She is so nice! But I absolutely HATE all the speech therapists that think they can "fix her" and give her cards even though she cant pick them up!
I loved this book and the ending is amazing. This was probably one of my favourite books. Even though I stayed up too late reading.
July 9, 2019
A beautiful story that all should read I purchased this book to place into a primary school library to teach the students about understanding others who are different from them. As an adult I could appreciate the story being told but I have a sad feeling that our students obviously talking about our grade 5 & 6's wont pick up and read this book as it doesn't have the pizzazz the kids of today are wanting in a book. I will promote this book towards the students who have the maturity to appreciate it's story.
May 12, 2021
This book was so unexpectedly moving. It’s a story about a girl with Rett syndrome and her constant feeling of sorrow about not being heard. She doesn’t like school, she cannot communicate at all and her hands won’t allow her to touch the cards that so many therapists insist she learn to use. But then, something changes and her world becomes beautiful again. This book is great for kids over 8 years old. It’s very accessible, moving and family centred. Great for kids with friends or siblings with a disability or to build sensitivity and awareness of disabilities.
March 30, 2019
I had heard Samantha Wheeler talk about this book in a podcast so I knew her personal connection before I started the book. What a beautifully told story with wonderful characters and relationships. I particularly loved the relationship between Ava and her sister. We cannot always know the thoughts of those that are unable to communicate but we can treat them as humans who do have thoughts, concerns, worries and happiness.
October 16, 2019
This book is heartwrenching.
I could feel Ava's pain as if it was my own. I had the pleasure of attending a writing seminar taught by Samantha and found it really wonderful. I could tell by the way she spoke that she was an extremely knowledgeable writer, but I was still so pleasantly surprised by this book. I couldn't put it down, and all of the characters felt so real yet so likeable. Her pacing is amazing.
I could feel Ava's pain as if it was my own. I had the pleasure of attending a writing seminar taught by Samantha and found it really wonderful. I could tell by the way she spoke that she was an extremely knowledgeable writer, but I was still so pleasantly surprised by this book. I couldn't put it down, and all of the characters felt so real yet so likeable. Her pacing is amazing.
November 22, 2021
Exceptional!
What an insight into Ava's world. I am in awe of you Samantha Wheeler. This is one of the best books I've ever read and one of the most important books I've ever read. All therapists and anyone working with people with disabilities should read this book. Actually everyone should read this book. Communication is something we all take for granted - I come away feeling so grateful for my voice and wanting to help others to have a voice.
What an insight into Ava's world. I am in awe of you Samantha Wheeler. This is one of the best books I've ever read and one of the most important books I've ever read. All therapists and anyone working with people with disabilities should read this book. Actually everyone should read this book. Communication is something we all take for granted - I come away feeling so grateful for my voice and wanting to help others to have a voice.
September 5, 2019
My daughter (year 5/ age 10) read this in school earlier this year and she cannot stop talking about it. It made such an impact on her! And then last week she took it out of the school library and brought it home for me to read. This book provides a wonderful insight into the life of a bright young girl with Rett syndrome who is unable to communicate. I’m so thankful my daughter had the opportunity to read this and share it with me!
September 18, 2020
Have been meaning to read this book for a long time now - finally got the chance while waiting to go into my operation. It was easy to read and I could really feel for the family as they struggled to find a way to reach their beautiful daughter. I had read a few articles about Rett’s syndrome but this was a good expansion on this.
December 15, 2018
This is a beautiful, honest, authentic story. Great for middle to upper primary school readers. I loved the main character Ava's voice and felt her frustration. I did get a bit teary at times too. I think it tells a really important story about how to treat people, no matter their ability.
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